Representative Action Ramps Up

Our Man in the Middle - Raymondo Barkwill

Canada, the lowest ranked of a “mid-group” of nations (#17), embarks on an ambitious RWC build up tomorrow when they take on #13 ranked, Japan in San Jose in Pacific Nations Cup action. The game can be viewed at www.worldrugby.org. Kick-off 5:00 p.m. (PST) or TSN GO app. The upcoming series of games from July 18th until September 6th will truly test the side’s mettle.  Up against U.S.A., #16; Georgia, #14; Japan, #13; Tonga, #12; Fiji, #11 and Samoa, #9 could make or break the program going into RWC. The match Vs Tonga on July, 24th will be played at Swanguard Stadium as will the playoffs on August 3rd.

The frequency and magnitude of these matches, reminds one of World Cup seasons with Super XIV play when N.Z. and RSA Unions did not select players to build for their RWC effort (not aware of that being the case this year).  Any victories will be very heartening and should there be any heavy defeats, there may be a despondency. This is all speculative and subject stuff, in summary, with mostly home-field advantages, it would not be unreasonable to predict some “W’s”.

CW especially congratulates Buydens, Barkwill, Woolridge, tomorrow’s starting FRF, Hearn in the centers and D.J. Sears and Tieds on the bench.  We wish all players and Captain Ardron good luck in this match.  It would be great to erase that 2011 RWC draw.  Tomorrow’s selection looks solid and it might be very interesting to see a Mack/Hirayama combo at the halves, should they both come in off the bench.  Go, Canada!

Our Man at the Open - The Ruggernut!